GDP increased by 0.8% in Q1 2014 compared with growth of 0.7% in Q4 2013.

Output increased in three of the four main industrial groupings within the economy in Q1 2014 compared with Q4 2013. In order of their contribution, output increased by 0.9% in services, 0.8% in production and 0.3% in construction. However, output decreased by 0.7% in agriculture.

In Q1 2014 GDP was estimated to be 0.6% below the peak in Q1 2008. From peak to trough in 2009, the economy shrank by 7.2%.

GDP was 3.1% higher in Q1 2014 compared with the same quarter a year ago.

The fifth consecutive period of growth. But still smaller than the pre-crash figure by 0.6%, nearly six years on…